CHESTER, PA - MARCH 18: The Colorado Rapids and Philadelphia Union walk onto the field before the game at PPL Park on March 18, 2012 in Chester, Pennsylvania. The Rapids won 2-1. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)

Despite playing with 10 men for much of the second half, the Colorado Rapids improved to 2-0 on the season with a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Sunday. Newcomers Jaime Castrillon and Tony Cascio both scored their first career MLS goals in the match. Rapids midfielder and U.S. National Team member Jeff Larentowicz was sent off with about 30 minutes remaining after receiving his second yellow card of the match.

Here’s reaction from players and coaches, provided by the Philadelphia Union media relations:

Colorado Head Coach Oscar Pareja:

“In a day like today, when I see the characteristics of the players, I know which has character, personality, getting through… having options. You’ve got to give them all the credit. So, the credit today to my players, I’m very proud of them, getting the result that they deserve. It is a hard place to play, I think Philadelphia did a good job on pressuring in the first half, taking the ball away from us.

This installment of player ratings come courtesy of Craig de Aragon, a longtime Rapids fan, committee member with the Class VI supporters group and current Rapids correspondent on the “Around The League” show on the Champions Soccer Radio Network:

Colorado headed out on the road for the first time this season. Their initial voyage was to Philadelphia to face the Union in their home opener to the 2012 campaign. What happened was a knock down, drag out, 12 round heavyweight fight.

From the opening bell the Rapids looked to establish a physical tone to the game and the youthful Union club was more than willing to trade blows. The two clubs jabbed and sparred to total 6 yellow cards and 1 red that left the Rapids a man down, but a goal ahead, and in even more need to rely on their seasoned experience. The differing styles of “the former champions” vs. “the young upstarts” made for great national television theatre, but it was the Rapids rookie Tony Cascio that scored the knockout punch.